On March 23, 2025, the technicians working at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center held the key elements of the rocket together, which will launch the Artemis 2 mission with the first humans for the moon over 50 years.
Why is it amazing?
The main phase, which is covered in the yellow-orange foam insulation, is the largest component of the space launch system (SLS) rocket, standing 212 feet long (65 meters). In addition to wearing propalent for its four rear-mounted rocket engines, the core rocket is the backbone, the launch vehicle supports the stage adapter, the interim cryogenic propulsion stage, the Orion Stage Adapter and the Orian Spacecraft for the Artemis 2 mission.
The twin five-segments standing on either side of the core stage are solid rocket boosters, which were previously stacked on the same mobile launch platform. Standing 177 feet long (54 meters), both the boosters will provide most emphasis on the four artemis 2 astronauts on their journey around the moon.
Where is this?
From the convenience point of the photo, you are looking at the vehicle assembly building (VAB) at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Floridia.
Once the most frightening building in the world, VAB was first used to stack the Apollo-era rocket and to stack the space shuttle flying for 30 years.
what happens next?
The launch vehicle will be the next element of SLS raised above the core stage in the coming weeks.
Meanwhile, the Orion spacecraft and its European service module have been stacked and configured for the flight and Neel A at the Kennedy Space Center. Armstrong is waiting for their move from operation and checkout building to VAB.
Once fully assembled, the Orion Top SLS will be rolled out to launch the complex 39B for test. Artemis 2 Mission has not been launched compared to April 2026.
Where can I learn more?
You can read and see more than Artemis 2 core stage and booster stacking, as well as more about NASA’s Artemis 2 mission.
You can also follow the latest updates about the Artemis 2 mission here.
